Cured in place liner termination

ABSTRACT

A rehabilitated pipe system and a method for rehabilitating a pipe system. A lines a host pipe and a coupling member configured for being operatively coupled to a mechanical coupler is positioned adjacent the host pipe so that a connecting section of the liner extends into the coupling member. The connecting section of the liner is adhesively bonded to the coupling member, and the mechanical coupler is installed to fluidly couple the liner to another fluid conducting structure. The connecting section of the liner can be formed in a portion of the host pipe that is removed after lining. The coupling member can be flanged or include a lateral coupling tube. The mechanical coupler can, e.g., be a ductile iron coupler or a bolt.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/168,611, entitled CURED IN PLACE LINER TERMINATION, whichwas filed on May 29, 2015, and is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to pipe rehabilitation. Inparticular, the present disclosure relates to termination of a cured inplace liner used to rehabilitate pipe.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a cured in place liner system andmethods for internally lining an existing pipe with a cured in placeliner system. Conventional pipe lining operations that use more than oneliner to line different lengths of an existing pipe system and alsotypically use components of the existing pipe system to form therehabilitated flow path. For example, to form a rehabilitatedfluid-tight flow path, adjacent ends of separate liners may seal withthe existing host pipe rather than with components of the rehabilitationsystem. When some or all of an existing pipe is compromised, it may bedesirable to form a rehabilitation system that does not rely on the hostpipe to form a fluid tight flow path.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method for rehabilitating a pipe system compriseslining a host pipe of the pipe system. A coupling member is positionedin the pipe system so that a connecting section of the liner is receivedin the coupling member. The coupling member is located generally end toend with an end of the host pipe. The coupling member is configured forbeing operatively coupled to a mechanical coupler while it is beingpositioned end to end with the host pipe. The connecting section of theliner is adhesively bonded to the coupling member. The coupling memberis fluidly coupled to another fluid conducting structure using themechanical coupler, whereby the liner, the coupling member, and themechanical coupler form a fluid tight connection between the host pipeand the other fluid conducting structure.

In another aspect, a method for rehabilitating a pipe system comprisespositioning a liner comprising a curable polymer in a host pipe of thepipe system so that the liner lines an interior surface of the hostpipe. The curable polymer is cured. An end portion of the host pipe isremoved to expose a connecting section of the liner cured to conform tothe interior surface of the end portion of the host pipe. A couplingmember configured for being operatively coupled to a mechanical coupleris positioned so that the connecting section of the cured liner isreceived in the coupling member. The connecting section of the liner isadhesively bonded to the coupling member whereby the connecting sectionof the liner sealingly bonds to the coupling member.

In another aspect, a method for rehabilitating a pipe system comprisespositioning a connecting section of a liner extending through a hostpipe of the pipe system within a main coupling tube positioned generallyend to end with the host pipe. A hole is formed in the connectingsection of the liner to fluidly couple a lateral coupling tube extendingfrom the main coupling tube to an interior of the liner. The connectingsection of the liner is adhesively bonded to the main coupling tubeusing a curable polymer. The cured curable polymer forms a seal betweenthe connecting section of the liner and the main coupling tube operativeto prevent egress of liquid into an interface between the liner and themain coupling tube at the hole after the hole is formed.

Other aspects and features will be apparent and/or pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic section of a pipe system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic section of the pipe system having a pipe liningsystem installed therein;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, fragmentary section of one pipe of the pipesystem with a liner of the pipe lining system extending into the pipeand a coupling member of the pipe lining system positioned generally endto end with the pipe;

FIG. 4 is the schematic, fragmentary section of FIG. 3, but with theliner extending through the pipe and into the coupling member;

FIG. 5 is the schematic, fragmentary section of FIG. 3, but with theliner extending through the pipe and the coupling member;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, fragmentary section similar to FIG. 3, butillustrating a flanged coupling member; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic, fragmentary section of the pipe system havinganother pipe lining system installed therein;

FIG. 8A is an end view of a coupling member of the pipe lining system ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 8B is a section of another coupling member of the pipe liningsystem of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9A is a perspective of an end portion of a pipe with a couplingmember and lateral connector operatively connected thereto;

FIG. 9B is similar to FIG. 9A, illustrating a lateral bushing prior tobushing prior to installation in the lateral connector; and

FIG. 9C is similar to FIG. 9B, illustrating the lateral bushinginstalled in the lateral connector.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is desirable to provide a cured in place pipe rehabilitation systemextending through a portion of an existing pipe system to form acompletely rehabilitated, stand-alone, fluid-tight flow path betweenupstream and downstream portions of the existing pipe system. Therehabilitated flow path is preferably stand-alone in that therehabilitation system does not rely on the portion of the pipe systemthrough which the rehabilitation system is installed to define thefluid-tight flow path. The task of forming a stand-alone rehabilitationsystem is made more difficult when the rehabilitation system includes aplurality of liners that line different lengths of the existing pipesystem. To form a standalone rehabilitation system under thesecircumstances, the liners must be coupled together with couplingcomponents other than the existing pipe system. Several embodiments ofstandalone pipe lining systems are described in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2012/0012217, which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

As will be apparent, in one or more embodiments of systems and methodsof rehabilitating a pipe system, the flow path between the portions ofthe pipe system upstream and downstream of the rehabilitation system isdefined by and made fluid-tight solely by components of therehabilitation system such as cured in place liners and couplingcomponents other than the existing pipe system. The portion of the pipesystem through which the rehabilitation system is installed merelyprovides a path (e.g., through the ground) through which the cured inplacer liner system can be inserted. After the cured in place linersystem is installed, the liner system forms a fluid-tight flow pathbetween an upstream portion of the pipe system and a downstream portionof the pipe system. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art that the rehabilitation system may occupy all or only a part ofa pipe system. Other parts of the pipe system may even be lined, butwith liners that rely on existing pipe to form joints.

Referring to FIG. 1, an existing pipe system in need of repair isgenerally indicated at reference number 10. The pipe system 10 mayinclude one or more water pipes in a municipal water main, one or morehigh pressure pipes in an industrial processing facility, or any otherhost pipe(s) in need of repair. The pipe system 10 is preferablyinstalled in the field at a location at which a pipe lining techniciancan access the pipe system to undertake pipe lining operations. In theillustrated embodiment, one or more pipe lining technicians can accessone end of the pipe system 10 from a first access point 12 and canaccess an opposite end of the pipe lining system from a second accesspoint 14. In other embodiments, the pipe lining technicians may accessother portions of the pipe system 10 besides the opposite ends thereofwithout departing from the scope of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2,using the pipe lining system 110 and methods of rehabilitating a pipesystem described in further detail below, the pipe system 10 may berehabilitated to form a rehabilitated pipe system 10′ in which noportion of the existing pipe system is used to form the flow pathbetween the two access points 12, 14. Instead, the standalone pipelining system 110 forms a continuous flow path along the length of thepipe system 10 between the two access points 12, 14.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the pipesystem 10 includes two lengths of pipe 10A, 10B arranged in series andseparated from one another by a gap 16 in the pipe system. In one ormore embodiments, the two pipes 10A, 10B may form a continuous pipesystem before beginning a suitable method of rehabilitating the pipesystem 10. In these embodiments, the pipe lining technicians may removea portion of the pipe system 10 to form the gap 16 as an initial step inthe method. This may be desirable, for example, when a conventionalmethod for lining a pipe between two access points with a single linercannot be used because the distance between the two access points to theexisting pipe system is too long. In that instance, the gap 16 alsofunctions as an access point. By performing the method of rehabilitationdescribed below, the pipe lining technicians connect the two pipes 10A,10B with the pipe lining system 110 and form a continuous fluid flowpath that extends from the first access point 12 to the second accesspoint 14. Although FIG. 1 illustrates two pipes 10A, 10B separated by asingle gap 16, it will be understood that the pipe lining system 110 andmethod of rehabilitation described herein can be adapted to rehabilitatea pipe system comprising more than two pipes separated by more than onegap. In addition, the pipe lining system 110 and method ofrehabilitation described herein can be used to line a single, continuouslength of existing pipe and to connect the lined length of existing pipeto another fluid conducting structure. It will be understood that theother fluid conducting structure may be another pipe, another couplingmember, a valve, other fitting or any other structure that conductsfluid.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the rehabilitated pipe system 10′ willnow be described. The rehabilitated pipe system 10′ includes theexisting pipe system 10 and a pipe lining system 110. The pipe liningsystem 110 lines the existing pipe system 10 between the first accesspoint 12 and the second access point 14 and defines the fluid flow pathbetween the two access points. The pipe lining system 110 includes afirst liner 112 that lines the pipe 10A and a second liner that linesthe pipe 10B. A coupling system 114 of the pipe lining system 110extends between the pipes 10A, 10B and connects the first and secondliners 112. Connecting sections 115 of each of the liners 112 extendinto opposite end portions of the coupling system 114 to connect theliners to the coupling system.

The liners 112 separately line the interior surfaces of each of thepipes 110A, 110B and extend outward past the inner ends of the pipesinto the gap 16. The liners 112 may be formed from any suitable pipelining material but preferably comprise a liquid impregnable materialimpregnated with a curable polymer. For example, the liner 112 cancomprise a layer of polyester felt (e.g., a fiberglass reinforced andneedled felt matrix) with a layer of impermeable material (e.g., anelastomeric coating). Alternatively, the liner can comprise a fabric ofreinforcing fibers such as glass, carbon, boron, aramid, basalt,ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or other high strength fibers.In one or more additional embodiments, the liner 112 comprises a curablepolymer impregnated chopped strand mat. Preferably, the curable polymerimpregnated material is at least somewhat conformable to conform to theshape of the interior surface of the pipe 10A, 10B in which it isinstalled. The curable polymer used in the liners 112 can be anysuitable material. But in one or more embodiments, the curable polymeris a curable epoxy. For example, the curable polymer is a catalyzedvinyl ester resin in some embodiments.

The coupling system 114 is configured to join the connecting sections115 of each of the liners 112, which extend inward past the inner endsof the host pipes 10A, 10B. The coupling system 114 includes a couplingmember 120 that is attached to the connecting section 115 of each of theliners 112. More specifically, a connecting section 115 of each of theliners 112 extends into a respective one of the coupling members 120wherein it is adhesively bonded to the interior surface. The nature ofthe bond of the liner to the coupling member is such that there is aseal so that liquid under pressure cannot pass between the liner and thecoupling member 120. A connecting tube 122 extends between the innerends of the coupling members 120. Mechanical couplers 124 couple thecoupling members 120 to the connecting tube 122. In one or moreembodiments, positioning members 125 (e.g., a pipe clamps) also hold thecoupling members 120 in place with respect to the host pipes 10A, 10B.But in other embodiments, no positioning members are used to hold thecoupling members 120 to the host pipes 10A, 10B. Together, the twoliners 112, two couplers 114, and connecting tube 122 define astandalone fluid flow path that extends from the first access point 12to the second access point 14 and that is fluidly disconnected from theexisting pipe system 10. Although the illustrated embodiment uses twocoupling members 120 and one connecting tube 122 to join the first andsecond liners 112, it will be understood that other coupling systems canbe arranged differently without departing from the scope of theinvention. For example, in one or more embodiments, the connecting tube122 is not used and the coupling members 122 are coupled directly to oneanother with a mechanical coupler 124. In one or more additionalembodiments, a single coupling member 120 which is bound to a singleliner 112 is coupled directly to a section of the existing pipe system10 or a newly installed pipe, rather than to another liner.

Each of the coupling members 120 comprises a tube configured to bejoined with a mechanical coupler. The coupling members 120 can have thesame interior and exterior dimensions as the pipe 10A, 10B to which theyare adhered, or they can have different dimensions without departingfrom the scope of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the couplingmembers 120 are formed of a material that binds with the curablepolymeric material in the connecting sections 115 of the liners 112. Thecoupling members 120 are also preferably formed from a rigid orsemi-rigid material that can withstand the loading imparted thereupon bythe mechanical coupler 124. In one or more preferred embodiments, thecoupling members 120 are configured to withstand operational fluidpressures of the existing pipe system 10 and surge pressures therein.Likewise, the coupling members 120 are preferably configured towithstand externally applied loads such as soil, groundwater and liveloads. In certain pipe systems 10, the coupling members 120 should beconfigured to withstand applications of vacuum pressures. The couplingmembers 120 may also satisfy other design criteria without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling members 120 are each made froma fiber reinforced polymer. The coupling members 120 are fully curedprior to receiving the liner 112 through them. For example, in one ormore suitable embodiments, the coupling members 120 include fiberglass.Other types of fiber reinforced polymers may also be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In one or more embodiments,the polymeric material used in the coupling members 120 has the same orclosely similar composition as the curable polymeric material in theliners 112 to enhance chemical adhesive bonding between the couplingmembers 120 and the connecting sections 115 of the liners.

In addition, the interior surface of the coupling members 120 may beprepared prior to installation to provide surface characteristics thatcreate mechanical interlocking between the interior surface of thecoupling members and the curable polymer which binds the liners 112 tothe coupling members. In one example, the same polymeric materialimpregnating the liner is applied to the interior surface of thecoupling members 120. In another example, the interior surface of thecoupling members 120 may be abraded with an abrader to roughen thesurface prior to installation in the pipe lining system 110. As shown inFIG. 8A, in one example, longitudinal grooves are formed in the interiorsurface of the coupling member 120. In another example shown in FIG. 8B,circumferential grooves are formed in the interior surface of thecoupling member 120. The longitudinal and circumferential grooves may beformed by the original manufacturer of the coupling member 120 in someembodiments. Alternatively, the grooves can be formed by the pipe liningcrew after the coupling member 120 is manufactured.

In another exemplary embodiment, the coupling members 120 are each madefrom a metallic material that has an interior surface that has beenprepared to adhesively bind with the curable polymeric material in theconnecting section 115 of the respective liner 112. For example, thecoupling member 120 could be made of steel or ductile iron that has aninterior surface that has undergone one or more of the following surfacepreparations to enhance bonding: cleaning, abrading, grinding, etc. Inthis embodiment, a polymeric material that sealingly bonds with metal isused. An example of such a polymeric material is TYFO® S, available fromFyfe Co. LLC of San Diego, Calif. Other types of metals and other typesof materials may also be used without departing from the scope of theinvention.

The connecting tube 122 can be made from any suitable material.Preferably the connecting tube 122 comprises a rigid or semi-rigidmaterial that can withstand the loading imparted thereupon by themechanical coupler 124. Moreover, the connecting tube 122 is preferablymade from a material suitable for carrying the type of fluid thattravels through the existing pipe system. For example, in one or moreembodiments, the connecting tube is made from one of fiber reinforcedpolymer, plastic, metal, or the like. In one or more preferredembodiments, the connecting tube 122 is configured to withstandoperational fluid pressures of the existing pipe system 10 and surgepressures therein. Likewise, the connecting tube 122 is preferablyconfigured to withstand externally applied loads such as soil,groundwater and live loads. In certain pipe systems 10, the connectingtube 122 should be configured to withstand applications of vacuumpressures.

Various types of couplers 124 may be used to couple the components ofthe coupling system 114. Example couplers that may be used includeductile iron couplings or sleeves or other off the shelf couplers. Thecoupling members 120 provide a strength and have an outer diameter thatwill accommodate standard couplers. Preferably the couplers areconfigured to join adjacent end portions of the coupling members 120 tothe connecting tube 122 to form a liquid tight fluid flow path throughthe pipe lining system 110.

Thus, it will be appreciated that one or more embodiments of arehabilitated pipe system can include at least one existing host pipe10A, a coupling member 120 positioned at an end of the existing hostpipe, a liner 112 lining the existing host pipe and comprising aconnecting section 115 extending into the and being bonded to thecoupling member, and a mechanical coupler 124 (e.g., a ductile ironcoupler) securing the coupling member to another fluid conductingstructure, such as the connecting tube 114 and thereby fluidly couplingthe liner to the other fluid conducting structure. The rehabilitatedpipe system can further include another existing host pipe 10B, anothercoupling member 120 positioned at an end of the other host pipe, anotherliner 112 lining the other host pipe and comprising a connecting section115 extending into and being bonded to the other coupling member, andanother mechanical coupler 124 (e.g., another ductile iron coupler)securing the other coupling member to the connecting tube. The couplers124 and the connecting tube 114 thereby fluidly couple one of the liners112 to the other. As explained below, either of the coupling membersused in this rehabilitated pipe system can comprise a lateral couplingmember without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one or more embodiments, the lined pipe system110 includes a flanged coupling member 220 comprising a tube shapedportion 230 and a flange portion 232 extending radially outward from theend of the tube shaped portion. In other words, the coupling member hasa first end segment located adjacent the end of the existing host pipe10 and a second end segment opposite the first end segment and defininga flange 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling member 220couples to the flanged end of another pipe member. For example, thecoupling member 230 could be coupled to the flanged end of a connectingtube (not shown), the flange portion of another coupling member (notshown), the flanged end of a section of existing host pipe (not shown),or the flanged end of a new pipe (not shown). Flanged coupling members220 could be attached to each of the liners 112 that line each of thepipes 10A, 10B, or only one flanged coupling member could be used. Oneor more compressive mechanical couplers 240 (broadly, a fastener, e.g.,bolts or the like) may be used to couple the flange portion 232 of thecoupling member 220 to the flange of another fluid conducting structure.Suitably, the flanged coupling member 230 may be positioned at the endof an existing host pipe 10 after removing a portion of the existingpipe system to define the end of the existing host pipe.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, one method of lining the first pipe 10A to forma first portion of the pipe lining system 110 will now be described. Aswill be apparent, the same techniques and components used to line thefirst pipe 10A may also be used in the same way to line the second pipe10B. Once each of the pipes 10A, 10B have been lined as described below,the portions of the pipe lining system 110 used to line each of thesections may be coupled together using the coupling system 114.

In one or more embodiments of a method of reinforcing the pipe system10, the coupling member 120 is positioned in the gap 116 between thepipes 10A, 10B. More specifically, the coupling member 102 is positionedgenerally end-to-end with the pipe 10A. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, an end of the coupling member 120 abuts the opposing innerend of the pipe 10A. In other embodiments (e.g., when the exteriordimensions of the coupling member 120 are slightly smaller than theinterior dimensions of the pipe 10A), an end portion of the couplingmember 120 may be positioned inside an end portion of the pipe 10A. Instill other embodiments, the end of the coupling member 120 ispositioned adjacent the end of the pipe 10A but does not directlycontact the pipe. When the coupling member 120 is positioned generallyend-to-end with the pipe 10A, the interior of the coupling member ispreferably generally aligned with the interior of the pipe. One or moretechnicians may manually position the coupling member 120 generally endto end with the pipe 10A, or the technicians may use the positioningmember 125 or other positioning device to position the coupling membergenerally coaxially with the pipe 10A.

Depending on the type of material that is used for the coupling member120, the interior surface of the coupling member is prepared prior toinstalling the liner 112 in the pipe 10A and coupling member. Forexample, if the coupling member 120 is formed of metal, the pipe liningtechnicians preferably clean and abrade the interior surface to enhanceadhesive binding with the liner 112. The technicians may prepare theinterior surface of the coupling member 120 before or after positioningthe coupling member generally end to end with the pipe 10A. If thecoupling member 120 is made of fiber reinforced polymer, the interiorsurface is preferably roughened to increase the mechanical bondingbetween with the curable polymer in the liner 112. In addition, the stepof preparing the interior surface of the coupling member 120 may includeapplying a coat of curable polymeric material to the interior surface.Preferably, the curable polymeric material applied directly to theinterior surface of the coupling member is the same material as isimpregnated in the liner 112 to enhance chemical adhesive bonding.

With the coupling member 120 positioned generally end to end with thepipe 10A, the pipe lining technicians may next install the liner 112.The positioning member 125 may hold the coupling member 120 in positionat the end of the host pipe 10A, 10B as technicians install the liner112. Alternatively, the coupling member 120 may be manually held inplace during installation of the liner 112. The polymer impregnablematerial used in the liner 112 is impregnated with a curable polymer,and the liner is positioned in the pipe 10A so that the liner extendsfrom at least the first access point 12 through the coupling member 120as illustrated in FIG. 5. In the installed position, the linersubstantially covers the interior surfaces of the pipe 10A and thecoupling member 120. Specifically, the connecting section 115 of theliner 112 covers and contacts the interior surface of the couplingmember 120. Typically, when the liner 112 is pressurized to contact theinterior surfaces of the pipe 10A and coupling member 120. Thepressurized liner 112 holds the coupling member 120 in position once itcontacts the interior surfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, the liner112 is everted through the pipe 10A and the coupling member 120. But theliner 112 can also be installed in the pipe 10A and coupling member 120using a pull in method or any other suitable liner positioning method.Preferably, the technicians install the liner 112 so the liner contactsthe interior surfaces of the pipe 10A and the coupling member 120, andextends past the inner end of the coupling member (FIG. 5). If theinterior surface of the coupling member 120 has different dimensionsthan the interior surface of the pipe 10A, the liner 112 is preferablyinstalled to have a smooth transition across the joint between the pipeand the coupling member. After the liner 112 is installed, the polymermaterial is cured.

In another embodiment, the liner 112 is installed before positioning thecoupling member 20. For example, the liner 112 can be installed so thata connecting section 115 of the liner extends out of an end of the hostpipe 10 before being cured. The coupling member 120 can be subsequentlypositioned end to end with the host pipe and the liner 112 can bepressed against the interior of the coupling member and cured. Inanother embodiment, as explained below, the installers can place theliner 112 in the host pipe 10 so that a connecting section of the lineris received in a mold (not shown) that is subsequently removed. Asexplained below, in still other embodiments, an end segment of the hostpipe 10, itself, acts as a mold for the connecting section 115 of theliner 112 and is removed after curing. When the connecting section 115is cured prior to placement of the coupling member 120, the installerssubsequently apply an adhesive to one of the connecting section 115 ofthe liner 112 and the coupling member 120 and adhesively bond the linerto the coupling member after positioning the coupling member so that theconnecting section is received in the coupling member.

Thus it can be seen that, in general, a suitable method ofrehabilitating a pipe system can include the following steps ininterchangeable order: lining a host pipe 10 with a liner 112 andpositioning a coupling member 120 in the pipe system so that aconnecting section 115 of the liner is received in the coupling member.During the step of positioning the coupling member 120 in the pipesystem, the coupling member is configured for being operatively coupledto a mechanical coupler 124. Thus, the coupling member 120 hassufficient strength and rigidity throughout its use in the method toeffectively support a mechanical coupler 124. The method furtherincludes the step of adhesively bonding the connecting section 115 ofthe liner 112 to the coupling member 120, which can be performed bycuring the curable polymer impregnating the liner or separately adheringthe connecting section to the coupling member. After bonding theconnecting section 115 to the coupling member 120, the coupling membercan be fluidly coupled to the connecting tube 114 or another fluidconducting structure using the mechanical coupler 124. The liner 112,the coupling member 120, and the mechanical coupler 124 thereby form afluid tight connection between the host pipe and the connecting tube114.

Referring again to FIG. 2, once both liners 112 have been installed inthe respective pipes 10A, 10B and coupling members 120 and cured, theexcess portions of the liners that extend inward past the inner ends ofthe respective coupling members are removed. With both liners trimmed tosize, the pipe lining technicians position the connecting tube 122 inline with the coupling members 120 and secure the connecting tube 122 tothe coupling members 120 using the mechanical couplers 124. Once thepipe lining system 110 has been fully installed, the liners 112,coupling members 120, and connecting tube 122 define a standalone fluidflow path extending from the first access point 12 to the second accesspoint 14 and that is fluidly separate from the existing pipe system 10.

It will be understood that the above described method can be adapted sothat fewer components of the pipe lining system 110 may be used. Forexample, in one or more embodiments, a liner 112 and coupling member 120are installed on only one pipe, rather than two. In these embodiments, acoupler 124 preferably joins the coupling member 120 directly to anothersection of pipe such as another section of existing host pipe. In otherembodiments, the coupling members 120 are positioned to be joined to oneanother using a mechanical coupler 124, rather than being separatelyjoined to a connecting tube 122. Still other changes to the abovedescribed method of rehabilitating the pipe system 10 may be implementedwithout departing from the scope of the invention. For example, theflanged coupling members 220 and bolts 240 (FIG. 6) could be substitutedfor the coupling member 120 and coupler 124 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, in certain embodiments, a lateral connector180 may be installed on the coupling member 120. In other words, alateral coupling member can include a main coupling tube 120 and alateral coupling tube 180 that is separately mounted on the maincoupling tube. The lateral connector 180 includes a laterally extendingtube 182 that can be in fluid communication with the coupling member 120when the lateral connector is fully installed. In the illustratedembodiment, the lateral connector 180 includes a saddle portion 184sized to extend around a portion of the circumference of the couplingmember or main coupling tube 120. It will thus be appreciated that arehabilitated pipe system can include a liner 112 lining an insidesurface of a host pipe 10 and comprising a connecting section 115extending into and being bonded to the main coupling tube 120. Suitably,the liner 112 and the main coupling tube 120 define respective holes(not shown) in register with the location of the lateral coupling tube180 for fluidly coupling the liner with the lateral coupling tube. Theliner 112 is adhesively sealed to the main coupling tube 120 so that aseal between the connecting section 115 and the main coupling tube isoperative to prevent egress of liquid into an interface between theliner and the main coupling tube at the hole after the hole is formed.

Preferably, the saddle portion 184 is positioned so that a mechanicalcoupler (e.g., the mechanical coupler 124) can couple the couplingmember 120 to another pipe section. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the main coupling tube 120 has a first end segmentconfigured to be positioned adjacent the end of the host pipe 10 and asecond end segment opposite the first end segment configured for havingthe mechanical coupler 124 installed thereupon. The lateral connector180 is placed on the main coupling tube 120 so that the lateral tubeportion 182 is located between the first and second end segments of themain coupling tube. Moreover, the saddle portion 184 has a first endpositioned adjacent the first end segment of the main coupling tube 120and a second end positioned adjacent the second end segment of the maincoupling tube. The second end of the saddle portion 184 is spaced apartfrom the second end segment of the main coupling tube 120 toward thefirst end segment to provide a space along the second end segment of themain coupling tube at which a mechanical coupler can be secured to themain coupling tube. When installed, an inner surface of the saddleportion 184 is adhered to an outer surface of the coupling member 120 tosecure the lateral connector 180 to the coupling member.

A lateral coupler may couple the lateral tube 182 to a lateral fluidconducting structure (not shown). For example, a bushing 190 may beinstalled in the lateral tube 182 of the connector 182 to connect thelateral tube to another pipe section having a predetermined endconfiguration. Where the lateral tube 182 of the lateral connector 180meets the coupling member 120, there is preferably a hole extendingthrough the coupling member and the liner 112 installed therein. Theseal between the liner 112 and coupling member 120 at the hole is suchas to prevent the egress of liquid between the liner and coupling tubeat the hole.

One embodiment of a rehabilitated pipe system comprises a lateralcoupling member comprising a lateral coupling tube 180 and a maincoupling tube 120 that extends between one host pipe 10A and anotherhost pipe 10B. A single liner 112 can extend through the first host pipe10A, the main coupling tube 120, and the second host pipe 10B to formthe rehabilitated pipe system.

In a suitable method of installing the lateral connector 180 on thecoupling member 120, one or both of the inner surface of the saddleportion 184 and the outer surface of the coupling member are preparedfor adhesive bonding. For example, the prepared surface may beroughened, grooved, etc. to enhance mechanical bonding with a curablepolymer that binds the lateral connector 180 to the coupling member. Acurable polymer is applied to one or both of the inner surface of thesaddle portion 184 and the outer surface of the coupling member 120.Preferably the curable polymer has the same or similar composition tothe polymer in the coupling member 120 if the coupling member comprisesa cured polymer. Likewise, if the lateral connector 180 comprises acured polymer, the curable polymer used to bind the lateral connector180 to the coupling member preferably has the same or similarcomposition to enhance chemical bonding. The lateral connector 180 isplaced over the coupling member 120 so that curable polymersubstantially fills the interface between the saddle portion 184 and thecoupling member. The curable polymer cures to bind the lateral connector180 to the coupling member 120. Either before or after the lateralconnector 180 is installed on the coupling member 120, a hole is formedin the wall of the coupling member and the liner 112 disposed in thecoupling member. The hole is positioned to be aligned with the lateraltube 182 of the lateral connector to fluidly connect the lateral tubewith the interior of the coupling member. To install the bushing 190 inthe lateral tube 182, the adjoining surfaces of the bushing and lateraltube are optionally prepared for adhesive bonding, curable polymericmaterial is placed on one or both of the adjoining surfaces, the bushingis positioned in the lateral tube so that curable polymer substantiallyfills and seals the interface between the bushing and the lateral tube,and the curable polymer cures. The interior of the busing 190 may bethreaded for attachment of a lateral pipe.

Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment a pipe lining system 310 includesa coupling member 320 comprising a lateral fitting sized to bepositioned between the inner ends of the pipe sections 10A, 10B. In theillustrated embodiment, the coupling member 320 comprises a tee fitting,but other types of lateral fittings (e.g., wyes, etc.) can also be usedwithout departing from the scope of the invention. The tee fitting 320includes a main tube 321 and a lateral tube 323 extending transverse tothe main tube. Thus, in one or more embodiments, a main coupling tube321 and a lateral coupling tube 323 can form a one-piece lateralcoupling member 320. The tee fitting 320 can be formed of the samematerials as the coupling members 120. Preferably, the tee fittingcomprises a material that is capable of forming a strong adhesive bondwith the liner 112. Like the coupling members 120, an inner surface ofthe tee fitting 320 can be prepared for bonding with the liner byabrading, forming grooves therein, etc. The inner surface of the teefitting 320 can also be covered with a curable polymer prior toinstalling the liner 112, etc.

The main tube 321 of the tee fitting 320 is configured to receive aportion of the liner 112 that extends through the gap between the twopipe sections 10A, 10B. The liner 112 adheres to the fitting 320 to holdthe fitting in place between the two pipe sections 10A, 10B. In theillustrated embodiment, the ends of the main tube 323 are positionedgenerally end to end with the inner ends of the pipe sections 10A, 10B.A mechanical coupler (not shown, but can be like mechanical coupler 124)can be used to couple the lateral tube 323 of the fitting 320 to anothersection of pipe such as an existing section of the host pipe system.Preferably the tee fitting 320 comprises a material and constructionthat can withstand the forces caused by a mechanical coupler joining thelateral tube 323 to another section of pipe. The portion of the pipeliner 112 that covers lateral opening in the main tube 321 is removed sothat fluid may flow freely from the main tube to the lateral tube 223.

In one method of installing the pipe lining system 310, a pipe liningcrew prepares the interior surface of the tee fitting 320 for adhesivebonding with the liner 112. For example, in some embodiments, the crewroughens the interior surface of the tee fitting 320 to improvemechanical bonding with a cured polymeric material and covers theinterior surface with the same curable polymeric material thatimpregnates the liner 112. After preparation, the tee fitting 320 ispositioned between the inner ends of the pipes 10A, 10B. Preferably, thecrew positions the tee fitting 320 so that a first end of the main tube321 is positioned generally end to end with the inner end of the pipe10A and a second end of the main tube is positioned generally end to endwith the inner end of the pipe 10B. With the tee fitting 320 properlypositioned in the gap between the pipes 10A, 10B, the liner 112 isinstalled in the host pipe system so that it extends from a downstreamportion of the pipe section 10A, through the main tube 221 of the teefitting, to an upstream portion of the pipe section 10B. As above, theliner 112 can be installed through eversion, pull in, or any othersuitable method. The crew expands the liner 112 so it contacts theinterior surfaces of each of the pipe sections 10A, 10B and the maintube 321 of the tee fitting 320. Usually, the pressure in the liner 112that causes it to expand is sufficient to hold the tee fitting 320 inplace while the liner cures. After the 112 liner cures, the portion ofthe liner that covers the lateral opening in the main tube 321 of thetee fitting 320 is removed to fluidly connect the lateral tube 323 tothe main tube. The portion of the liner 112 that covers the lateralopening may be removed robotically in certain preferred embodiments. Theseal between the liner 112 and the interior surface of the main tube 321is such as to prevent egress of the liquid between the liner and themain tube at the location where the liner is removed to open the lateraltube 323.

Although each of the above-described systems and methods uses thecoupling members 120, 220, 320 to connect a newly formed pipe liner 112that cures in the coupling member to another pipe section, the couplingmembers can also be used to retroactively connect a previously formedliner to another section of pipe. For example, where a pipe system hasbeen previously lined with a liner, it may become necessary to remove aportion of the pipe for maintenance or repair of the pipe system. Thepreviously lined pipe system includes at least one host pipe and a linerlining the interior surface of the host pipe from a downstream end ofthe lined pipe system to an upstream end of the lined pipe system.

In one method of coupling a previously lined host pipe to anothersection of pipe an end portion of the host pipe is removed withoutremoving the cured liner that is originally positioned within the endportion of the host pipe. In other words, an end portion of the hostpipe is removed after positioning the liner in the host pipe to exposethe connecting section of the liner that has cured to conform to theinterior surface of the end portion of the host pipe. This leaves aconnecting section of the cured liner extending out of the host pipe. Asdiscussed below, a coupling member 120, 220, 230 having an interiorsized to receive the connecting section of the cured liner therein andto fit closely around the exterior of the connecting section is used tocouple the cured liner to another pipe section. One or both of theexterior surface of the cured connecting section of the liner and theinterior surface of a coupling member 120, 220, 320 is prepared foradhesive bonding. For example, the prepared surface can be roughened orgrooved to enhance mechanical bonding with a curable polymer. One orboth of the exterior surface of the connecting section of the curedliner and the interior surface of a coupling member 120, 220, 320 iscoated with a curable polymer. Preferably the curable polymer has thesame or similar composition to the cured polymer in the connectingsection of the liner to enhance chemical bonding. Likewise, if thecoupling member is made from fiber reinforced polymer or other polymericmaterial, the curable polymer preferably has the same or similarcomposition to the polymer of the coupling member to enhance chemicalbonding. The coupling member 120, 220, 320 is installed on theconnecting section of the cured liner so that the connecting section isreceived in the interior of the coupling member. Preferably, thecoupling member 120, 220, 320, is positioned over the connecting sectionof the liner so that the coupling member is positioned generally end toend with the end of the host pipe. Curable polymer substantially fillsgaps in the annular interface between the cured liner and the couplingmember that may exist. After the curable polymer cures, it sealinglyadheres the coupling member 120, 220, 320 to the connecting section ofthe cured liner. A mechanical coupler 124 is used to couple the couplingmember 120, 220, 230 to another section of pipe, thereby coupling thelined host pipe to the other section of pipe.

Other Statements of the Invention

The following are statements of the invention described in the presentapplication. They constitute applicant's statement of invention(s)believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented as claims.

A. A method for rehabilitating a pipe system, the method comprising:

-   -   lining a host pipe of the pipe system    -   positioning a coupling member in the pipe system so that a        connecting section of the liner is received in the coupling        member, and the coupling member is located generally end to end        with an end of the host pipe, the coupling member being        configured for being operatively coupled to a mechanical coupler        while it is being positioned end to end with the host pipe;    -   adhesively bonding the connecting section of the liner to the        coupling member; and    -   fluidly coupling the coupling member to another fluid conducting        structure using the mechanical coupler, whereby the liner, the        coupling member, and the mechanical coupler form a fluid tight        connection between the host pipe and the other fluid conducting        structure.

B. A method as set forth in A wherein the step of adhesively bonding theconnecting section of the liner to the coupling member comprises curinga curable polymer impregnating at least the connecting section of theliner.

C. A method as set forth in B further comprising impregnating the linerwith the curable polymer before positioning the liner in the pipesystem.

D. A method as set forth in either of B and C wherein the couplingmember comprises a polymer having a composition that is closely similarto the composition of the curable polymer, said step of adhesivelybonding comprising creating a chemical adhesive bond between the polymerof the coupling member and the polymer of the liner.

E. A method as set forth in any of A-D further comprising forming a gapin the pipe system extending between said end of the host pipe and anopposing end of another host pipe of the pipe system.

F. A method a set forth in E further comprising:

-   -   lining the other host pipe;    -   positioning another coupling member in the pipe system so that a        connecting section of the other liner is received in the other        coupling member, and the other coupling member is located        generally end to end with an end of the other host pipe; and    -   adhesively bonding the connecting section of the other liner to        the other coupling member.

G. A method as set forth in F wherein the other fluid conductingstructure comprises a connecting tube, the method further comprisingpositioning the connecting tube in the gap such that the connecting tubeextends between opposing ends of the coupling members.

H. A method as set forth in G further comprising coupling a mechanicalcoupler to the other coupling member and the connecting tube to create afluid tight connection between the host pipes.

I. A method as set forth in any of A-H wherein the step of fluidlycoupling the coupling member to the other fluid conducting structurecomprises bolting a flange portion of the coupling member to the fluidconducting structure.

J. A method as set forth in any of A-I wherein the step of adhesivelybonding comprises applying an adhesive to one of the connecting sectionof the liner and the coupling member after curable polymer impregnatingthe connecting section has at least partially cured.

K. A method as set forth in any of A-J wherein the positioning stepcomprises positioning the liner before positioning the coupling member.

L. A method as set forth in K further comprising removing a portion ofthe host pipe after positioning the liner in the host pipe to expose theconnecting section of the liner.

M. A method as set forth in any of A-L further comprising preparing aninterior surface of the coupling member for adhesively bonding to theconnecting section of the liner before the liner is positioned in thecoupling member.

N. A method for rehabilitating a pipe system, the method comprising:

-   -   positioning a liner comprising a curable polymer in a host pipe        of the pipe system so that the liner lines an interior surface        of the host pipe;    -   curing the curable polymer;    -   removing an end portion of the host pipe to expose a connecting        section of the liner cured to conform to the interior surface of        the end portion of the host pipe;    -   positioning a coupling member configured for being operatively        coupled to a mechanical coupler so that the connecting section        of the cured liner is received in the coupling member; and    -   adhesively bonding the connecting section of the liner to the        coupling member whereby the connecting section of the liner        sealingly bonds to the coupling member.

O. A method as set forth in N further comprising fluidly coupling thecoupling member to another fluid conducting structure using themechanical coupler.

P. A method as set forth in either of N and O further comprising any ofthe statements recited in one or more of B-M.

Q. A method for rehabilitating a pipe system, the method comprising:

-   -   positioning a connecting section of a liner extending through a        host pipe of the pipe system within a main coupling tube        positioned generally end to end with the host pipe;    -   forming a hole in the connecting section of the liner to fluidly        couple a lateral coupling tube extending from the main coupling        tube to an interior of the liner; and    -   adhesively bonding the connecting section of the liner to the        main coupling tube using a curable polymer, the cured curable        polymer forming a seal between the connecting section of the        liner and the main coupling tube operative to prevent egress of        liquid into an interface between the liner and the main coupling        tube at the hole after the hole is formed.

R. A method as set forth in Q wherein the step of forming the hole isperformed after the step of adhesively bonding.

S. A method as set forth in one of Q and R wherein the lateral couplingtube is operatively connected to the main coupling tube during thepositioning step.

T. A method as set forth in any of Q-S wherein the lateral coupling tubeand the main coupling tube form a one-piece lateral coupling member.

U. A method as set forth in any of Q-S further comprising separatelymounting the lateral coupling tube on the main coupling tube.

V. A method as set forth in U wherein the step of mounting the lateralcoupling tube comprises adhesively bonding a saddle portion of thelateral coupling tube to an exterior of the main coupling tube.

W. A method as set forth in either of U and V wherein the step ofmounting the lateral coupling tube comprises positioning the lateralcoupling tube on the main coupling tube so that an end of the saddleportion is spaced apart inboard of an adjacent end portion of the maincoupling tube sized and arranged for being coupled to a mechanicalcoupler.

X. A method as set forth in any of Q-W further comprising fluidlycoupling the end portion of the main coupling tube to another fluidconducting structure using the mechanical coupler.

Y. A method as set forth in any of Q-S and U-X further comprisingforming a hole in the main coupling tube to fluidly couple an interiorof the main coupling tube to an interior of the lateral coupling tube.

Z. A method as set forth in any of Q-Y further comprising installing abushing in the lateral coupling tube configured for being fluidlycoupled to a lateral fluid conducting structure.

AA. A method as set forth in Z wherein the step of installing thebushing comprises adhesively bonding the bushing to the lateral couplingtube to form a liquid tight seal at an interface between the bushing andthe lateral coupling tube.

AB. A method as set forth in claim 16 further comprising operativelyconnecting a laterally extending fluid conducting structure of the pipesystem to the lateral coupling tube of the coupling member.

AC. A rehabilitated pipe system comprising:

-   -   an existing host pipe;    -   a coupling member positioned at an end of the host pipe;    -   a liner lining an inside surface of the host pipe and comprising        a connecting section extending into the coupling member and        being bonded to the coupling member; and    -   a ductile iron coupler securing the coupling member to another        fluid conducting structure and thereby fluidly coupling the        liner to the other fluid conducting structure.

AD. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AC wherein therehabilitated pipe system includes the fluid conducting structure andthe fluid conducting structure comprises a connecting tube.

AE. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AD further comprising:

-   -   another existing host pipe;    -   another coupling member positioned at an end of the other host        pipe;    -   another liner lining an inside surface the other host pipe and        comprising a connecting section extending into the other        coupling member and being bonded to the other coupling member;        and    -   another ductile iron coupler securing the other coupling member        to the connecting tube and thereby fluidly coupling the other        liner to the connecting tube and to said liner.

AF. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in any of AC-AE wherein thecoupling member comprises a main coupling tube having a first endsegment adjacent the existing host pipe and a second end segmentopposite the first end segment.

AG. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AF wherein the ductileiron coupler is secured to the second end segment of the main couplingtube.

AH. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AG further comprising alateral coupling tube extending laterally from the main coupling tube ata location between the first and second end segments of the maincoupling tube.

AI. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AH wherein a hole isformed in the connecting section of the liner that fluidly couples themain coupling tube to the lateral coupling tube.

AJ. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in either of AH and AIfurther comprising a lateral coupler coupling the lateral coupling tubeto a lateral fluid conducting structure.

AK. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AJ wherein the lateralcoupler comprises a bushing sealingly received in the lateral couplingtube.

AL. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in any of AH-AK wherein themain coupling tube and the lateral coupling tube form a one-piecelateral coupling member.

AM. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in any of AH-AK wherein thelateral coupling tube is separately connected to the main coupling tube.

AN. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AM wherein the lateralcoupling tube comprises a saddle portion.

AO. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AN wherein the saddleportion is adhesively bonded to the main coupling tube.

AP. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in either of AN and AOwherein the saddle portion has a first end located adjacent the firstend segment of the main coupling tube and a second end located adjacentthe second end segment of the main coupling tube.

AQ. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AP wherein the secondend of the saddle portion is spaced apart from the second end segment ofthe main coupling tube toward the first end segment of the main couplingtube to provide a space along the second end segment of the maincoupling tube at which the ductile iron coupler is secured to the maincoupling tube.

AR. A rehabilitated pipe system comprising:

-   -   an existing host pipe having an end;    -   a coupling member having a first end segment located adjacent        the end of the existing host pipe and a second end segment        opposite the first end segment and defining a flange;    -   a liner lining an inside surface the host pipe and comprising a        connecting section extending into the coupling member and being        bonded to the coupling member; and    -   a fastener securing the flange of the coupling member to a        flange of another fluid conducting structure and thereby fluidly        coupling the liner to the other fluid conducting structure.

AS. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AR wherein the fastenercomprises a bolt.

AT. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in either of AR and ASwherein the rehabilitated pipe system includes the fluid conductingstructure and the fluid conducting structure comprises a connectingtube.

AU. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in claim AT furthercomprising:

-   -   another existing host pipe;    -   another coupling member positioned at an end of the other host        pipe;    -   another liner lining an inside surface the other host pipe and        comprising a connecting section extending into the other        coupling member and being bonded to the other coupling member;        and    -   coupler securing the other coupling member to the connecting        tube and thereby fluidly coupling the other liner to the        connecting tube and to said liner.

AV. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in any of AR-AU wherein thecoupling member comprises a main coupling tube defining the first andsecond end segments of the coupling member and a lateral coupling tubeextending laterally from the main coupling tube at a location betweenthe first and second end segments of the coupling member.

AW. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AV wherein a hole isformed in the connecting section of the liner that fluidly couples themain coupling tube to the lateral coupling tube.

AX. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in either of AV and AWfurther comprising a lateral coupler coupling the lateral coupling tubeto a lateral fluid conducting structure.

AY. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in AX wherein the lateralcoupler comprises a bushing sealingly received in the lateral couplingtube.

AZ. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in any of AV-AY wherein themain coupling tube and the lateral coupling tube form a one-piecelateral coupling member.

BA. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in any of AV-AY wherein thelateral coupling tube is separately connected to the main coupling tube.

BB. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in BA wherein the lateralcoupling tube comprises a saddle portion.

BC. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in BB wherein the saddleportion is adhesively bonded to the main coupling tube.

BD. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in either of BB and BCwherein the saddle portion has a first end located adjacent the firstend segment of the coupling member and a second end located adjacent thesecond end segment of the main coupling member.

BE. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in BD wherein the secondend of the saddle portion is spaced apart from the flange.

BF. A rehabilitated pipe system comprising:

-   -   an existing host pipe having an end;    -   a coupling member comprising a main coupling tube having a first        end segment located adjacent the end of the existing host pipe        and a second end segment opposite the first end segment and a        lateral coupling tube extending laterally from the main coupling        tube at a location between the first and second end segments        thereof;    -   a liner lining an inside surface the host pipe and comprising a        connecting section extending into the main coupling tube and        being bonded to the main coupling tube, the liner defining a        hole in register with the location of the lateral coupling tube        for fluidly coupling the liner with the lateral coupling tube;        and    -   a lateral coupler coupling the lateral coupling tube to a        lateral fluid conducting structure and thereby fluidly coupling        the liner to the lateral fluid conducting structure.

BG. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in BF wherein the lateralcoupler comprises a bushing.

BH. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in BG wherein the bushingis internally threaded

BI. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in either of BG and BHwherein the bushing is sealingly received in the lateral coupling tube.

BJ. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in any of BG-BI wherein thebushing is adhesively bonded to the lateral coupling tube.

BK. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in any of BF-BJ wherein themain coupling tube and the lateral coupling tube form a one-piecelateral coupling member.

BL. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in any of BF-BJ wherein thelateral coupling tube is separately connected to the main coupling tube.

BM. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in BL wherein the lateralcoupling tube comprises a saddle portion.

BN. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in BM wherein the saddleportion is adhesively bonded to the main coupling tube.

BO. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in any of BF-BN furthercomprising a parallel fluid conducting structure adjacent the second endsegment of the main coupling tube.

BP. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in BO wherein the parallelfluid conducting structure includes another host pipe of the pipesystem.

BQ. A rehabilitated pipe system as set forth in BP wherein the linerincludes a segment lining the other host pipe.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methodswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for rehabilitating a pipe system, themethod comprising: lining a host pipe of the pipe system with a liner;positioning a coupling member in the pipe system so that a connectingsection of the liner is received in the coupling member, and thecoupling member is located substantially end to end with an end of thehost pipe, the coupling member being configured for being operativelycoupled to a mechanical coupler while the coupling member is beingpositioned end to end with the host pipe; adhesively bonding theconnecting section of the liner to the coupling member; and fluidlycoupling the coupling member to another fluid conducting structure usingthe mechanical coupler, whereby the liner, the coupling member, and themechanical coupler form a fluid tight connection between the host pipeand the other fluid conducting structure; wherein the step of adhesivelybonding the connecting section of the liner to the coupling membercomprises curing a curable polymer impregnating at least the connectingsection of the liner.
 2. A method as set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising impregnating the liner with the curable polymer beforepositioning the liner in the pipe system.
 3. A method as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the coupling member comprises a polymer having acomposition that is closely similar to the composition of the curablepolymer, said step of adhesively bonding comprising creating a chemicaladhesive bond between the polymer of the coupling member and the polymerof the liner.
 4. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprisingforming a gap in the pipe system extending between said end of the hostpipe and an opposing end of another host pipe of the pipe system.
 5. Amethod a set forth in claim 4 further comprising: lining the other hostpipe with another liner; positioning another coupling member in the pipesystem so that a connecting section of the other liner is received inthe other coupling member, and the other coupling member is locatedsubstantially end to end with an end of the other host pipe; andadhesively bonding the connecting section of the other liner to theother coupling member.
 6. A method as set forth in claim 5 wherein theother fluid conducting structure comprises a connecting tube, the methodfurther comprising positioning the connecting tube in the gap such thatthe connecting tube extends between opposing ends of the couplingmembers.
 7. A method as set forth in claim 6 further comprising couplinga mechanical coupler to the other coupling member and the connectingtube to create a fluid tight connection between the host pipes.
 8. Amethod as set forth in claim 1 wherein the step of fluidly coupling thecoupling member to the other fluid conducting structure comprisesbolting a flange portion of the coupling member to the fluid conductingstructure.
 9. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the positioningstep comprises positioning the liner before positioning the couplingmember.
 10. A method as set forth in claim 9 further comprising removinga portion of the host pipe after positioning the liner in the host pipeto expose the connecting section of the liner.
 11. A method as set forthin claim 1 further comprising preparing an interior surface of thecoupling member for adhesively bonding to the connecting section of theliner before the liner is positioned in the coupling member.
 12. Amethod for rehabilitating a pipe system, the method comprising:positioning a liner comprising a curable polymer in a host pipe of thepipe system so that the liner lines an interior surface of the hostpipe; curing the curable polymer; removing an end portion of the hostpipe to expose a connecting section of the liner cured to conform to theinterior surface of the end portion of the host pipe; positioning acoupling member configured for being operatively coupled to a mechanicalcoupler so that the connecting section of the cured liner is received inthe coupling member; and adhesively bonding the connecting section ofthe liner to the coupling member whereby the connecting section of theliner sealingly bonds to the coupling member.
 13. A method as set forthin claim 12 further comprising fluidly coupling the coupling member toanother fluid conducting structure using the mechanical coupler.
 14. Amethod for rehabilitating a pipe system, the method comprising:positioning a connecting section of a liner extending through a hostpipe of the pipe system within a main coupling tube positionedsubstantially end to end with the host pipe; forming a hole in theconnecting section of the liner to fluidly couple a lateral couplingtube extending from the main coupling tube to an interior of the liner;and adhesively bonding the connecting section of the liner to the maincoupling tube using a curable polymer, the cured curable polymer forminga seal between the connecting section of the liner and the main couplingtube operative to prevent egress of liquid into an interface between theliner and the main coupling tube at the hole after the hole is formed.15. A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein the step of forming thehole is performed after the step of adhesively bonding.
 16. A method asset forth in claim 14 wherein the lateral coupling tube is operativelyconnected to the main coupling tube during the positioning step.
 17. Amethod as set forth in claim 16 wherein the lateral coupling tube andthe main coupling tube form a one-piece lateral coupling member.
 18. Amethod as set forth in claim 14 further comprising separately mountingthe lateral coupling tube on the main coupling tube.
 19. A method forrehabilitating a pipe system, the method comprising: lining a host pipeof the pipe system with a liner; positioning a coupling member in thepipe system so that a connecting section of the liner is received in thecoupling member, and the coupling member is located substantially end toend with an end of the host pipe, the coupling member being configuredfor being operatively coupled to a mechanical coupler while the couplingmember is being positioned end to end with the host pipe; adhesivelybonding the connecting section of the liner to the coupling member; andfluidly coupling the coupling member to another fluid conductingstructure using the mechanical coupler, whereby the liner, the couplingmember, and the mechanical coupler form a fluid tight connection betweenthe host pipe and the other fluid conducting structure; wherein the stepof adhesively bonding comprises applying an adhesive to one of theconnecting section of the liner and the coupling member after a curablepolymer impregnating the connecting section has at least partiallycured.
 20. A method as set forth in claim 19 further comprisingimpregnating the liner with the curable polymer before positioning theliner in the pipe system.
 21. A method as set forth in claim 19 whereinthe coupling member comprises a polymer having a composition that isclosely similar to the composition of the curable polymer, said step ofadhesively bonding comprising creating a chemical adhesive bond betweenthe polymer of the coupling member and the polymer of the liner.
 22. Amethod as set forth in claim 19 further comprising forming a gap in thepipe system extending between said end of the host pipe and an opposingend of another host pipe of the pipe system.
 23. A method a set forth inclaim 22 further comprising: lining the other host pipe with anotherliner; positioning another coupling member in the pipe system so that aconnecting section of the other liner is received in the other couplingmember, and the other coupling member is located substantially end toend with an end of the other host pipe; and adhesively bonding theconnecting section of the other liner to the other coupling member. 24.A method as set forth in claim 23 wherein the other fluid conductingstructure comprises a connecting tube, the method further comprisingpositioning the connecting tube in the gap such that the connecting tubeextends between opposing ends of the coupling members.
 25. A method asset forth in claim 24 further comprising coupling a mechanical couplerto the other coupling member and the connecting tube to create a fluidtight connection between the host pipes.
 26. A method as set forth inclaim 19 wherein the step of fluidly coupling the coupling member to theother fluid conducting structure comprises bolting a flange portion ofthe coupling member to the fluid conducting structure.
 27. A method asset forth in claim 19 wherein the positioning step comprises positioningthe liner before positioning the coupling member.
 28. A method as setforth in claim 27 further comprising removing a portion of the host pipeafter positioning the liner in the host pipe to expose the connectingsection of the liner.
 29. A method as set forth in claim 19 furthercomprising preparing an interior surface of the coupling member foradhesively bonding to the connecting section of the liner before theliner is positioned in the coupling member.